US men’s national rugby team The Eagles gear up to host Irish national rugby team in Texas

Ireland’s rugby team is set to face off against the American rugby team The Eagles this June in Houston, TX. This will be the third time the two teams have met.

The USA Rugby Organization writes that The Eagles, the U.S. Men’s National Rugby Team, will host Ireland at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston on Saturday, June 8, 2013, as one of the only international matches being held in the US this year.

Nigel Melville, CEO for USA Rugby, said “We have established a great foundation for rugby in Houston with our previous match between the USA and Italy last year, welcoming a record-setting crowd of 18,000 people. With the success of that game, we are pleased to return to Houston with another highly-anticipated international match, this time welcoming Ireland and their fans.”

BBVA Compass Stadium general manager Doug Hall said “It is our goal to provide rugby fans, as well as the teams, with a unique and memorable experience including a pre-game fanfest for this game. Houston has proven that it’s fast becoming a rugby town and we are thrilled to be a part of that growth and development.”

Ireland, which is currently ranked 6th in the world, will face off against The Eagles who are ranked 16th. The teams have previously faced off in both 2009 and 2011 at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand; Ireland won both matches.

Tickets are available online at www.axs.com or www.bbvacompassstadium.com or by calling 888-929-7849. Tickets are also available at the Ticket Office, open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Prices start at $20. Group tickets will be available beginning Monday, January 28 to groups of 10 or more by calling 713-547-3055.